Owl's Nest Cottage.
The wood-burner is great for snug evenings in.
The conservatory looks out across the patio at the owner's garden.
The perfect place to relax in the sunshine and plan your day's adventures.
Enjoy breakfast in the conservatory, or just relax there and enjoy the sound of the birds.
The spectacular Jurassic Coast is a short drive, scene of TV series Broadchurch.
The kitchen has everything you need to create a delicious meal.
The kitchen is very well-equipped with a Bosch Tassimo machine for coffee lovers.
The kitchen leads into the bedroom.
Enjoy a wonderful sleep in the super comfy 5' 'zip and link' bed.
The bedroom is snug and has lovely co-ordinated linens.
A folding door leads from the bedroom to the shower-room.
Colour co-ordination extends through to the shower-room.
A drench-head shower is perfect for that wake up moment or to languish beneath at the end of the day.
Owl's Nest Cottage nestles into the owner's mature garden.
The newly extended patio.
Owl's Nest Cottage is compact with a bright conservatory and pretty patio.
The Trooper Inn at Stourton Caundle is only one mile away, a gentle stroll across the fields or along the lanes.
Nearby Sturminster Newton Mill is an ancient flour mill in a picturesque setting on the River Stour.
Nearby Sherborne is a bustling market town, with some lovely tea and coffee shops, where you can watch the world go by.
Sherborne Abbey is a grand Norman style church with a few remaining Saxon features.
Sherborne old castle is the ruin of a 12th Century castle.
West Bay is s short drive away, a fishing port with some quirky shops.
Stourhead, a fantastic National Trust estate at the source of the River Stour has magnificent rhododendrons and even has its own pub.
Owl's Nest Cottage
29426.2 miles E of Sherborne | Sleeps 2 (no children under 2)
7 Nights from £373
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearby pub
In the heart of Stourton Caundle you'll find this lovely village pub offering award-winning ales, traditional ciders and home cooked meals. With extensive outside seating, courtyard and beer garden this is a great place for al fresco dining.
Nearby beach
Bowleaze Cove Beach nestles into Dorset's stunning Jurassic Coast, sitting at the far end of the sandy arch stretching from Weymouth. A sand and pebble mix, Bowleaze Beach is dog-friendly year-round and there are facilities nearby. It is popular amongst families in the summer, as well as anglers and water sports enthusiasts.
November 2024
Not very picturesque
I feel there are better, more scenic beaches in the area. Good views when facing out to sea, but otherwise the buildings and attractions are not very picturesque.
Nearby walk
A circular walk around Sherborne of approximately six and a half miles. The going is fairly easy on country lanes, footpaths and tracks, although there are nine stiles. Park on the road by the church at Haydon village and follow the directions on the Web site.
Nearby town
Deep in the heart of Blackmore Vale, the quaint village of Marnhull can be found just three miles north of Sturminster Newton. There's an assortment of architectural sytles including some houses dating as far back as Tudor times and a variety of small shops.
Also nearby
Visit the world-famous gardens at Stourhead and sit amongst tranquil scenes. Described as ‘a living work of art’, the gardens lead visitors on a breath-taking journey. Spend a while in the 18th Century Palladian villa and Hoare family home, before wending your way around the grounds, falling in love with the beautifully thought out landscapes and classical architecture.
November 2021
Beautiful landscapes to explore
A short drive away and you're in the impressive landscape of Stourhead, with its magnificent trees, lake and iconic garden structures. We visited early November when the autumn colours were blazing. A perfect morning out, whether for a lazy amble round the lake or exploring the footpaths to viewpoints and monuments. Good National Trust cafe and shop too.
June 2021
A highlight of our 5 night stay
We stayed in nearby Nunney for 5 nights. Stourhead was definitely our top pick. On a sunny day it was absolutely beautiful. The scenery is stunning and it was nice to have a well-earned ice-cream in the pretty courtyard of the pub after a good walk. There are plenty of spots for taking beautiful pictures. We'd be interested to return one Autumn or see it covered in snow too.
October 2014
Magical!
This is the most beautiful place you can imagine - the walk around the lake, dropping into the various buildings and grottoes, is breathtaking. All I can say is you really must visit.
September 2013
Superb
A wonderful must in Dorset. Great gardens and interesting house. Well worth a visit.
Crisp white table linen, impeccable service and fabulous food.
May 2025
Good dinner
Had a lovely meal at this traditional style hotel.
September 2020
Amazing Food
If you are looking for something a bit more than pub food you can't beat Plumber Manor - the food is outstanding, very relaxed and in the present difficult circumstances excellent safety measures! Well worth a visit
July 2011
Excellent food in beautiful country house. In all guides. Welcoming atmosphere. A special night out.
A fabulous castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh, so well preserved it remains a family home to this day. There are walks around the lake and gardens and a tea room for refreshments. A tour inside the castle reveals wonderful paintings, porcelain and furniture before going down into the cellars where Raleigh’s original kitchen, family artefacts and archaeological finds from the old medieval castle are on show.
August 2020
Beautiful
The house was closed but the grounds open. How beautiful and tranquil they were. We walked around the beautiful lake then sat under a shady tree with a picnic. We were there approx 5 hours. Stunning scenery and so peaceful. Will go back next year when house re opens.
September 2013
Wonderful
We have had a rare old time visiting locations we have missed in previous years as well as some old friends. This one was new to us and another beautiful location and building. Again we were met with attentive and helpful staff who helped make the visit even more enjoyable.
A family friendly pub with acres of gardens, a skittle alley and pygmy goats to say hello to! Food is locally sourced and made in house with daily specials on offer. The kids will love the play bus and crazy golf.
September 2025
Friendly pub
Lovely atmosphere, great food, welcoming, enjoyable evening ☆☆☆☆☆
May 2025
Best Sunday lunch
The Gaggle of Geese is a 7 minute, flat, walk from Freshfields. Wonderful pub, great staff and food. We had the Sunday lunch, veggie too, and it was delicious. Huge garden with large covered seating area.
November 2021
Great village pub
We recently stayed in the village, and came across this great village pub, a very warm welcome and wonderful food. A real community hub with events to keep both the locals and visitors entertained.
A fantastic 13th Century building with 14 acres of exquisite, tranquil gardens.
November 2025
Beautiful gardens
We enjoyed a lovely meander around the gardens (free to RHS members on certain days).
November 2021
Bishop Palace Gardens and Wells
These are just the most beautiful gardens to wander around, even if you are not an avid garden enthusiast! The bubbling springs feeding the wells and river, the tranquility, the ramparts and the setting adjacent to the Bishops Palace, plus the imaginative planting make it a great place to visit any time of the year - November for us. Right in the centre of Wells too, so lots to explore.
October 2021
A great place to visit
A beautiful garden to walk around with great views of the cathedral.
Wells is a lovely small city to spend the day in.
Make sure you go to the cathedral and Vicars Close as well.
Articles | From around the area
Things to do
Miracle Theatre
Places to Go
Gardens in Dorset
Food and Drink
